Unveil scheduled for Auto Expo 2016.
Here are the top 5 things we know about the Volkswagen Ameo, which will make its world premiere at the Auto Expo 2016 next week:
First VW to be made specifically for India
The VW Ameo is widely touted by Volkswagen India to be the first product made specifically for the Indian market. It explains why VW went for the sub-4m sedan proportions; a segment that is picking up rapid pace in the country for its low prices and offering more space than an equivalent hatchback. It rivals the popular Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Tata Zest, Ford Figo Aspire, and Hyundai Xcent.
Based on the Polo platform
The Ameo is based on the VW Polo's PQ25 platform, and will be made at the same factory as the latter with an additional investment of INR 720 crore, in Pune. This benefits competitive pricing and lower costs of production since the Polo is almost completely localized in India.
Design of the VW Ameo
From spyshots and the render, it appears that the VW Ameo simply looks like a VW Polo with a boot. We are awaiting the first official images of the sub-4m sedan to see if it has any distinctive features that sets itself apart from the VW Polo and VW Vento, but going by the camouflage, the car will get a recast front bumper and hood that look sharper.
Ameo's features come off the VW Polo
Spyshots have also revealed that the Volkswagen Ameo will have an interior nearly identical to the current VW Polo. It gets a dual tone black and beige interior color combination, silver trim on the center console, multifunction 3-spoke steering wheel with manual adjustability and a 7-inch central infotainment touchscreen display, which is unavailable on the Polo.
VW Ameo's engines are from the Polo
The engine lineup for the VW Ameo will include the 1.5-liter TDI diesel engine sourced from the VW Polo and Vento, which develops 90 PS/230 Nm in its regular state and 105 PS/250 Nm in the GT TDI variant. As of now, it’s unclear which engine tune will be seen under the Ameo’s hood, though its likely to be the former given its target customer and positioning.
An entry-level petrol option could pack a 1.2-liter three-cylinder MPI petrol engine (good for 75 PS and 110 Nm of torque), while a 1.2-liter four-cylinder TSI petrol paired to a 7-speed DSG may be introduced in top-end variants.
